Archive | North America

North American consists of two countries, the famous and vast Untied States of America to the south and the rugged and beautiful Canada to the north. Each has its own amazing attributes for travelers, but the ones in Canada somehow sometimes get appreciated less. Here is a list of some of Canada’s top destination cities and reasons why you should spend a holiday in Canada.

Toronto

If you want to spend time in one of the top cosmopolitan metropolis’ in the world for all the right reasons, consider Toronto for your destination city. Its winning combination of beauty, attractions, and things to do is virtually unbeatable. The city is one of the fastest growing in North America and it is fast becoming a world capital. In terms of what to do there when you visit, this beautiful city boasts a professional hockey team, the Maple Leaf’s, an international film festival, the world famous CN Tower. There is a thriving theater district, some of the best restaurants anywhere featuring an international cuisine from more than 75 countries, cafes and bistros galore, and one of the most vibrant nightlife’s on the North American east coast.

The shopping is first rate and comparable with New York and Los Angeles and you can find upscale, low priced, bargain and shabby chic throughout the city.

Toronto excels at beautiful spaces and its parks and access to water are abundant. Those seeking outdoor activities have their choices of rivers and lakes and there are islands to explore alongside the beautiful beaches. Golf courses dot the city and so do facilities to play everything from tennis to basketball, with running and hiking paths a prominent feature.

In terms of culture there are world famous museums and galleries and for the family activities year round. If it sounds like Toronto is a do-it-all city, you are right.

Quebec City, Quebec

Quebec is a part of Canada that has preserved its history and displays it in the city. When you are in the city, you can step back in time to 400 years ago and see charming cafes and cobblestone streets. Parts of Quebec bear a striking resemblance to any old-town in France, Italy or Spain. The city is filed with classic architecture and worn old buildings giving it a unique and charming character that distinguishes it from other cities in Canada.

The feeling of the city is warm and romantic and makes the perfect escape for lovers. To up its charm value, the city hugs the beautiful St. Lawrence River, whose banks demand evening strolls and relaxing pauses. There is much to do here including various activities such as sailing, windsurfing, and sea kayaking, and for the perfect day out visit Beauport Bay, a favorite spot for sun and sand.

Vancouver

If you love to hike and fish during the summer and ski or snowboard during the winter, but you want to be close to a bustling international city that ranks as one of the highest in the world in terms of quality of life, you need to visit Vancouver.

Canada’s second city does not get as much press as Toronto, but for those who call it home, and for many of those who visit, it is a far superior destination. The city is extremely friendly to travelers from its welcoming people to its mild all year round weather.

In terms of sheer beauty, there is an ongoing debate about which city is the most beautiful in the world and Vancouver s always in that conversation. It has an abundance of beautiful landmarks including English Bay, Vancouver Island, the North Shore Mountains, a live volcano (Mt. Baker), beautiful beaches and vast rain forests.

But it is not only a beautiful place to visit Vancouver also excels at its food selections. The city is a delight for Asian food lovers and the best Korean, Japanese and Chinese food in North America can be had here.

People come to Vancouver year-round for the food, the sports team, the museums, parks, and nightlife, but mostly to sail, play tennis, snowboard, windsurf, run, mountain bike, paraglide, and ski at North America’s premiere ski area, Whistler Blackcombe.

The city is also a top film and television location for some of the top box office films each year. It is also a wonderful destination for families and travelers of all ages from teens to seniors.

No matter which city in Canada you choose to visit you are sure to have a great time.

Las Vegas is like Disneyland for grown ups, flashing lights, fancy cars, millions of dollars changing hands and the lure of anything being possible. If you are able to, then I would urge you to spend some days in this incredible corner of the Mojave desert to see for yourself just how alive this city is, from mega-casinos to incredibly designed hotels, Vegas has it all .

Vegas is known as the entertainment capital of the World and on a trip to the place they call ‘Sin City,’ there are some activities that you simply can’t leave before doing them and here is our recommendations of the things that you mustn’t miss out on.

See a Show

Vegas is home to a vast array of glitz and glamor and the best place to get a true taste of it is by taking in a show. There are all kinds of different shows to choose between, from comedic magicians to burlesque, comedians to World-famous singers, Vegas has it all. You need to ensure that you secure your show tickets early for the best prices and seats, visit one of the great websites out there that offer these tickets so that you don’t miss out.

Roll the Dice

Simply put, Las Vegas is the gambling capital of the World and even if you just gamble a few dollars, you need to at least have a go. There are so many iconic casinos for you to choose from with every form of gambling available, you could hit the blackjack tables, play the slots or hit the craps, whatever you fancy. Make sure you only bet what you can afford, Vegas has also become home to many who went there to strike it rich and lost it all.

Walk the Strip

Just walking through the Vegas strip is a feast for the eyes, you can see the hotels in their iconic glory, from the Bellagio’s fountains to the New York New York with its famous landmarks replicated outside. You will see all kinds of crazy things on the strip from street performers to high rollers and as far as people watching locations go, they don’t get much better. The strip is around 6km long and you can comfortably walk it form end to end. There is a monorail which you can use to get back to your hotel afterwards.

Stay up Late

Vegas never stops, the hotels and casinos are open 24/7 and time just stands still when you are here. To truly get involved ini the Vegas way then you should plan on staying up late whilst you are there, for the experience if nothing else, go for a burger at 5am, catch a show at 2am or head down for a beer and a gamble at 7 in the morning. A visit to Vegas is all about letting your hair down and enjoying life for a while, why not do just that, at times that you would never dare to back home.

New York, New York, one of the World’s most famous cities, the most populous in the United States and a mecca for tourism that sees more than 50 million people visit the city that they call the Big Apple, every year. There is so much to do and see in New York that you could spend months at a time there, and still not accomplish it all. Assuming that you, like the rest of us, don’t have that kind of time and money, then you will doubtless be opting for a trip to New York for just a few days at a time and when it comes to what to do in this iconic city on such a time limit, your going to need to ensure that you see as much as you can. To help out, we’ve whittled down the list to these 5 must-do activities.

The Statue of Liberty

A trip to New York simply wouldn’t be complete without a visit to its most iconic landmark, the Statue of Liberty, sat on Liberty island in New York’s harbor, this giant statue can not only be seen and enjoyed from afar, but also from the inside where you can capture incredible views of the Manhattan skyline. There are 354 steps to scale in order to get to the crown but once you get there, your hard work will be rewarded with incredible views.

See a Broadway Show

Broadway is one of the most famous places in the World to see a musical or a stage show, it offers some incredible theaters and almost all of the huge musical productions that have been born over the years, made their debut on Broadway. Get in early when getting tickets, there are some great websites to book early and get the best prices for your show tickets, head there and buy them before you even get to New York.

Chill Out in Central Park

Being in a chaotic city like New York can take its toll and you should head to the enormous Central Park, bang smack in the center of the city, to take a load off. You will see all kinds of things in this expansive space, people in love, people practicing martial arts, fitness sessions, musicians, artists and everything in between. Central Park is a great place to pass a few hours relaxing in the center of mayhem.

Visit Ground Zero

After the atrocious attacks in 2001 on the World Trade Center, the site where the two buildings existed were turned into a museum and tribute to those who lost their lives during the attacks and pays homage to the togetherness that was shown by the city during these times. Ground Zero is well worth a visit, to see the tributes, the new building that was created on one of the sites and to reflect on what happened on that fateful day.

See Some Live Sport

New Yorkers are very passionate about sport, be it baseball, american football, basketball, ice hockey or soccer, they are crazy for it and even if you don’t love sport then you should still try and go to see one of the local teams, for the atmosphere if nothing else. Few places do live sport with the razzmatazz that Americans do and you should absolutely spend a night experiencing it.

The New York Times named Philadelphia one of its 52 places to visit in 2015. The City of Brotherly Love garnered the No. 3 spot thanks to recently finished outdoor urban projects, new family-friendly attractions and fun 2015 events, making this U.S. city one of the best for families to travel to this year.

So as you plan your East Coast family trip, here’s some advice — give yourself plenty time to play and sightsee. There’s a lot of new to see and do in Philly this year, and below are some of those attractions and events you’ll want on your itinerary.

1. Indego

Indego is Philadelphia’s bike share program. The program launched in April and has been drawing in cyclists of all ages since opening. More than 600 bikes are available for rent at more than 60 stations throughout the city. Simply go up to a station kiosk, buy your trip, pick out your bike, ride around the city and then return the bike. There’s no easier or more fun way to get out and see what all this beautiful city offers.

2. Nightscape at Longwood Gardens

From July 1-October 31, the place to spend your Philly nights is at Longwood Gardens. Local Philadelphia artists Klip Collective is putting on an extraordinary show, Nightscape: A Light and Sound Experience. Amazing imagery and colorful lights choreographed to original music mesmerize your eyes and take you on an evening journey with the help of the city’s landscape as its natural backdrop. Make it an even family-friendlier night by attending on July 15th or August 19th, which are Family Nights complete with enjoyable kid activities and visits with staff through other parts of Longwood Gardens.

3. Celebrate the 150th Anniversary of Alice in Wonderland

Don’t be late to celebrate one of the most beloved literary classics of our time. This fall marks the 150th anniversary of Lewis Carroll’s book, and The Rosenbach of the Free Library of Philadelphia is paying tribute with exhibitions and programs exploring this children’s tale starting October 14th. Take your family down the rabbit hole as you discover things about the Alice in Wonderland characters and stories behind the story you never knew.

4. Ride Hersheypark’s Newest Roller Coaster

New to Philadelphia’s family-friendly amusement park this year is Laff Trakk. Hersheypark’s newest coaster, which gives the park a total of 13 now, is the first indoor, glowing and spiraling roller coaster in the U.S. Assembled inside a house of laughs, you and your family will spin and fly past a house of cards, a hall of mirrors and vibrant characters, all within the fun but safe speeds of 40 mph.

5. See the World’s Largest Display of LEGO Art

The Franklin Institute continually provides family-friendly fun with events and exhibits, but this year it’s bringing your favorite childhood toy to life with its The Art of Brick exhibit. Contemporary artist Nathan Sawaya assembled more than 100 creations from more than 1 million LEGO bricks depicting human emotion, interpretations of famous works of art and even a Liberty Bell — an exclusive creation just for the Philadelphia gallery. This colorful exhibit, a top 10 must see according to CNN, runs through September 7, so don’t miss your chance to enjoy seeing the building blocks you enjoyed as a child and your kids currently still enjoy displayed as life-sized animals, people, art pieces and more.

6. Test the Lanes and Food at South Bow

With two floors, 26 lanes, video games and an oversized kitchen, who wouldn’t want to spend a family afternoon or night here? Open every day of the week, with Happy Hour Bowling on Monday-Friday from 4-6 p.m., South Bowl is a real Philly crowd pleaser. The numerous lanes, great prices and fun atmosphere are all known, while the hidden gem of South Bowl is its menu. Your normal bowling alley foods, like wings and burgers, make the cut, but this kitchen gives you even tastier options. So if you get a craving for Korean fried chicken, lamb sliders, fried calamari or wood oven pizza, your cravings can instantly be satisfied. This bowling alley sends the entire family home happy.

With everything that’s happening in 2015, there are more than enough reasons for first-time visitors to grab a Philadelphia hotel room and for return visitors to jump at the chance to come back again.

One of the most exciting but underrated cities in the country is Jamaica, New York. Located in the New York borough of Queens, Jamaica is full of diverse cultures. This eclectic mix of ethnicities makes Jamaica a really special place to live as well as to visit. The city has enthralling entertainment, historical landmarks, important museums, beautiful parks, and athletic opportunities. If you haven’t been to this lesser-known city, here are some of the things that you don’t want to miss for much longer.

Enjoy the Mets

Citi Field, home to the much loved New York Mets Major League Baseball team, is located right in Jamaica. You can find high quality hotels close to the stadium with reasonable rates on Hipmunk.com. Try the Sleep Inn JFK Airport.

Citi Field, Home to the Mets (Creative Commons)

In addition to giving visitors the chance to watch riveting games, Citi Field is known for serving healthy and delectable fare, including the Blue Smoke barbecue pit beans, veggie burgers, and vegan pizza.

Get in the Game

If playing sports is more your thing, Jamaica also offers plenty of opportunities to be active while on vacation. Families can enjoy the Briarwood Playground together. The Detective Keith L Williams Park features a large outdoor swimming pool and immense deck area, which is ideal if you’d rather relax while your travel companions swim up a storm. The West Side Tennis Club welcomes visitors, and the Kissena Golf Course, Spring Golf, and the Forest Park Golf Course all offer pristine settings for a round of 18.

The Lexington Inn JFK Airport and the Linden Motor Inn are both near the Forest Park Golf Course if you want to stay near the action.

Marvel at the Museums

There are also plenty of free and reasonably priced cultural attractions in this lovely metropolis. The King Manor Museum in Jamaica gives tourists of all ages the chance to explore the history of the United States, including the Constitution and the Civil War. At this museum, archaeology reveals what life was like in the 1800s, and special events are held here throughout the year. Other museums in and near Jamaica include the Queens Museum, the Queens County Farm Museum, and the New York Hall of Science.

Dine in Style

Jamaica is also known for its variety of fantastic restaurants. Cheap Jamaica hotels like the Fairfield Inn New York JFK Airport and the Courtyard by Marriott JFK Airport have on-site restaurants. The Bistro at the Courtyard by Marriott offers breakfast, lunch, and dinner, while the Mediterranean Grille at the Fairfield Inn offers delicious American dishes for lunch and dinner. Other must-taste fare can be found at the Smile of the Beyond, Annam Brahma, Kumarans, and Rose Valley Cakes.

Do you know any other fascinating areas of Jamaica? I’m trying to build an ultimate resource on things to do in Jamaica, New York. If you’ve been to this thriving area of Queens, please add your thoughts and other tips below.

Author Bio: Robin Raven has a passion for traveling the world, and she has written about travel for such sites as Yahoo!, Hipmunk, and USA Today. As a travel writer and editor, Robin likes to meet new people and animals every chance she gets, and she loves trying the vegan food in any city. She blogs a book set in the picturesque area of Gulf Shores at 100WeeksofWonder.com.

Monterey Bay on the coast of California stretches from Santa Cruz in the north to Monterey in the south. The distance between Santa Cruz and Monterey is about 43 miles, and the drive between the two cities can theoretically last as little as 47 minutes. If you stop at the places of natural beauty and historical interest along the route, the drive will take a few hours.

Antonelli Pond — Santa Cruz

The 100-year-old artificial Antonelli Pond in Santa Cruz and the surrounding riparian zone are a breeding ground for great blue herons, egrets, raptors, deer, raccoons, and coyotes. If you want to spend time fishing or exploring the pond’s walking paths, Hipmunk has economical rates at several Monterey hotels in the area.

Natural Bridges State Beach — Santa Cruz

There is one remaining natural bridge on Natural Bridges State Beach. A grove of eucalyptus trees on the beach is home to the Monarch Butterfly Nature Preserve. As many as 150,000 monarch butterflies spend the winter in the trees every year.

Monterey — Southern End of Monterey Bay

Monterey is a city of many California firsts — the first capital, printing press, newspaper, publicly funded school, public library, and theater. Located at the southern end of Monterey Bay, Monterey is a popular central California vacation destination. The Best Western Plus Beach Resort is the only hotel on the beach in Monterey. This reasonably priced, pet-friendly property is the perfect base for exploring the city’s many attractions. Enjoy dramatic views from Monterey Plaza Hotel and Spa at Cannery Row. Stay in a themed suite directly over the water.

Beach at Cannery Row by Flickr user Paul Robinson (Creative Commons)

Cannery Row and John Steinbeck — Monterey

Cannery Row was the setting for two John Steinbeck novels: “Cannery Row” (1945) and “Sweet Thursday” (1954). “Cannery Row,” which takes place during the Great Depression of the 1930s and 1940s, is the story of the people living on Cannery Row, a street lined with sardine canneries. Visitors can find many shops and restaurants on present-day Cannery Row, some of them in the former cannery buildings.

John Steinbeck, Cannery Row by Flickr user Jim G

Monterey Bay Aquarium — Monterey

Monterey Bay Aquarium, located where Cannery Row meets the Pacific Ocean, is a public nonprofit aquarium founded in 1984 on the site of a former sardine cannery. The aquarium has more than 600 species of sea life on display, among them jelly fish, stingrays, squid, octopuses, and cuttlefishes.

Visitors can watch aquarists feed and train sea otters, learn about the care and feeding of blackfooted penguins, and observe the open sea feeding of sardines, sharks, tuna, turtles, and other creatures.

Share Your Monterey Bay Anecdote

If you’ve made the drive between Santa Cruz and Monterey, did you drive clockwise (south) or counterclockwise (north)? What sights were your favorites along the route?

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Daisy Mariposa is a freelance travel writer who has worked with various clients, including Hipmunk. She holds occupational certificates in both travel management and international business, and has worked as a travel agent. Daisy has traveled to half the states in the U.S. and to more than 33 countries, island nations, and island dependencies. She is a Certified Specialty Travel Writer and Travel Copy Writer for one organization and holds Industry Elite status in Travel from another.

If you’re interested in American history or understanding how this country’s roots, Cambridge, Massachusetts is an ideal place to explore. When it comes to the American Revolution, there are few cities in this country with a history as rich as the one Cambridge is willing to share.

Celebrate on the Most Patriotic Day of the Year

Every Fourth of July, the city puts together a fireworks show that is truly impressive. Barges anchored out in the Charles River are loaded with around 20,000 pounds of fireworks, and the Boston Pops Orchestra sets up in the Hatch Memorial Shell to play along with patriotic music.

On the Cambridge side of the river, there are restrooms, concession stands, a great view of the fireworks, and speakers are in place so you can still hear the music. However, keep in the mind that this is a very popular event that brings around a half-million people to the area. Make sure you check with Hipmunk.com for cheap hotels in Cambridge before the big event.

Follow in the Footsteps of Paul Revere

Late at night on April 18, 1775, Paul Revere rode through the Massachusetts countryside to warn the patriots that British troops were on their way. Today, you can follow a similar path on the Minuteman Bikeway. This 11-mile trail starts in Cambridge at Alewife Station and winds its way up to Bedford. Along the way, you’ll pass historic landmarks such as Tavern for the Museum of the British Redcoats, National Heritage Museum, and Hancock Clarke House, which was the last stop for Paul Revere.

See One of George Washington’s Headquarters

Situated in downtown Cambridge, Longfellow House – Washington’s Headquarters National Historic Site has sheltered two notable Americans. During the Siege of Boston, which lasted from July 1775 to April 1776, the house served as headquarters for George Washington. Then, in 1843, famous American poet Henry Longfellow purchased the house and lived there for almost 40 years.

Now, the home is preserved as a memorial to Washington and Longfellow. Many of the original furnishings and artwork are on display, as well as over 10,000 books that were once owned by Longfellow. The house is also known for the amazing gardens at the rear of the property. You can walk along the small paths and view the more than 30 unique types of flowers planted around the gardens.

Walk the Freedom Trail

Just over the Charles River is the 2.5-mile long Freedom Trail. This self-guided path takes you to 16 different sites with significant historical influence. Along the way, you’ll see landmarks like the Old South Meeting House, where colonists organized the Boston Tea Party. You’ll also pass by Faneuil Hall, where Samuel Adams once stood and gave a speech encouraging independence. There are also tour guides in Cambridge who are happy to create a customized tour based entirely on which historical sites you would like to see.

Are there any places of historical significance that you like to visit in Cambridge? If so, please feel free to share them in the comments below.

Author Bio: Kristen McCalla is a writer and avid blogger who lives in St. Petersburg, Florida with her husband, cat, and dog. When she’s not writing on her blog, 31 Million Seconds, she enjoys traveling and exploring all over this beautiful country.

Have you ever wondered what there is to do in Cleveland, Ohio? Need recommendation on how to find cheap Cleveland hotels and hot spots you should include in your places to visit? Put your walking shoes on and get ready to explore the colorful world of Cleveland’s oldest public market, Westside Market. This is a perfect location for restaurant lovers and culinary enthusiasts, surrounded by fresh and prepared foods of different ethnicities. When it comes to showing you the best that Westside Market has to offer, Hipmunk.com is your go-to site.

First Stop, Fruits and Vegetables

At Westside Market, individual vendors offer their own selection of harvests. At Marina’s Produce stand, you can find fresh items such as yucca, plantains, and chayota, while at Kim Se’s Cambodian Cuisine food stand, you’ll find freshly prepared daily award-winning entrees like authentic Cambodian sticky rice and spring rolls. For all-local produce, you should stop by Rooted in Cleveland’s stand. By visiting the vendors page on Westside Market’s website, you will be able to see what forms of payment are accepted at each individual stand. I’d recommend packing some cash, even though most stands accept major credit cards.

Westside Market bounty by Flickr User Adam Fagen (Creative Commons)

For the Carnivores

Out of all the meat and seafood vendors at the market, it is hard to just choose one. For those that prepare marinated or smoked meats and seafood items, stop by Dionne’s Poultry, Kate’s Fish, and Czuchraj Meats. If you’re looking for unprepared and wild game types of meat and seafood, check out Kauffman Poultry, Dani’s Seafood, Tayse Meats.

Pork Ave by Flickr user Ron Dauphin (Creative Commons)

Essentials and Some Extras

Have a refreshing locally fresh squeezed juice during your shopping excursion while shopping for fixings and more! Westside Market includes specialty vendors for items such as freshly roasted coffee beans and florists, to freshly made pastas. You’re sure to pick up a few extra items for your kitchen. Stop by Urban Herbs and the Olive and the Grape for your last touches for your complete meal plan.

Ohio Pasta by Flickr user Ron Dauphin (Creative Commons)

Ready for Dessert

Reward yourself with some dessert! If you want a lighter dessert option, grab some yogurt from Meister Foods. They also stock an impressive selection of artisan cheeses and spreads. Noted as “America’s Best Cupcakes” by TheDailyMeal.com, I think a visit to Grandma Campbell’s Cupcakes is in order.

Image by Flickr user kaveman743 (Creative Commons)

Order To-Go

If you’re not planning to cook at all, no worries. Westside Market has a plethora of prepared food vendors where you can order to-go. Westside Market Cafe serves up breakfast and lunch, and you can order some Frickaccio’s Pizza for dinner.

Image via Flickr by Sonja Stark

Whether you are in Cleveland for an adventure of the best local eats, or just to see the sights, Westside Market covers all the food options for you. Grab some fine foods for a meal and get a feel for the down-to-earth, Cleveland culture.

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Author Bio: Elaine is a writer who lives out her passion for cooking, culture, and travels through her personal lifestyle blog. You can find her whipping up the best home cooked meals with her family, or embracing solitude with a good read in hand.

There are so many interesting places in Columbia, South Carolina to explore that you may not know which ones to visit on your next trip to the area. If you’re having trouble planning your stay, use this guide to pick a few of the best attractions to check out.

Finlay Park

Finlay Park by Flickr user silicon640c (Creative Commons)

Finlay Park is one of the area’s most visited parks. Its central location puts it near many shops, restaurants, and cheap hotels in Columbia. However, it’s not just convenience that makes this park so popular; it’s also visually stunning and considered one of the most beautiful parks in the area. There’s a large waterfall with a stream that runs into the park’s lake, two playgrounds, a café, plenty of picnic tables, and many walking paths. In the summer, the park is also home to free outdoor concerts, outdoor movies, and plenty of entertaining festivals and events.

Congaree National Park

Situated less than a half-hour outside of Columbia, the Congaree National Park has the largest expanse of old growth hardwood forest in the southeastern United States. The Congaree and Wateree Rivers also flow through the park to create a beautiful ecosystem. If you want an easy walk to enjoy the beauty of the park, you can take the 2.4-mile Boardwalk Loop. This elevated walkway takes you through a unique swampy environment. Those looking for more of a challenge can hike the 11.1-mile King Snake Trail or tackle the 20-mile canoe trail on Cedar Creek.

South Carolina State Museum

Located on an old shipping canal and just a few blocks from the Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites Columbia Downtown, the South Carolina State Museum is the largest museum in the southeastern part of the country. It’s housed in the old Columbia Mills Building, which it considers its largest artifact. When the mill opened in 1894 it was the only all-electric textile mill in the world, and today is on the National Register of Historic Places.

Popular exhibits in the museum include a collection of historic astronomical equipment and telescopes, more than 45,000 objects related to the history of the state, and a terrifyingly huge life-size replica of Megalodon.

Riverbanks Zoo and Garden

If you’re planning a trip to Columbia, you must make the Riverbanks Zoo and Garden one of your stops. This 170-acre complex is an aquarium, zoo, and botanical garden all in one place. Over 2,000 animals call the zoo home including a 55,000-gallon Pacific coral reef tank that has eels, sharks, and other saltwater fish, a 2-acre replica of the African savanna with ostriches, giraffes, and zebras, and an Australian exhibit with lorikeets, wallabies, red kangaroos, and koalas.

The botanical garden takes up 70 acres and has over 4,200 species of exotic and native plants. Themed gardens include a rose garden, woodland walk, and Asian garden.

If you’re planning a trip to Columbia, make sure you check out Hipmunk’s Columbia hotels page for more information about the city. If you’ve been there before, please share some of your favorite places around the city in the comments.

Author Bio: Kristen McCalla is a Hipmunk writer and avid blogger who lives in St. Petersburg, Florida with her husband, cat, and dog. When she’s not writing on her blog, 31 Million Seconds, she enjoys traveling and exploring all over this beautiful country.

Canada is the largest country within North America. Boasting nearly ten million square kilometres of land, Canada is also the fourth-largest country in the world. Having said this, such a wide expanse affords the visitor some of the most unique experiences on the planet. From stunning coastlines to majestic glaciers and countless acres of pristine forest, Canada can be seen as one of the last frontiers left in existence. This is the reason that nature lovers near and far flock to this paradise each year. Still, it can be difficult to decide which activities are the best due to the sheer variety of choices. Let us therefore take a quick look at some popular destinations that are sure to impress.

Polar Bear Tours

While it is never recommended to approach these majestic bears personally, there are a number of polar bear tours such as those to be found in Churchill, Manitoba. Expert drivers will provide you with an up-close view of such massive creatures and you can partake in their beauty within what can only be called a stunning arctic backdrop.

Gros Morne National Park

This is the largest natural park in Eastern Canada and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Located in Newfoundland, the purple mountains, which overlook verdant green forests and placid lakes, seem as if they are more appropriate on a postcard. Not only are sailing and hiking excursions offered here, but also Gros Morne National Park is said to boast some of the best camping spots in the entire country.

The Pacific Rim National Park Reserve

Found on Vancouver Island in Western Canada, this is a massive preserve, which seems to capture the beauty and the allure that has come to define Canada. As it covers approximately five hundred square kilometres of land, the variety of landscapes and ecosystems is simply unimaginable. While the inland region provides panoramic views of snow-capped mountains reminiscent of the Swiss Alps, there is also a serpentine route, which runs along the coast that many visitors enjoy driving through. In this case, it is always a great idea to purchase car excess insurance in the event of a flat tire or any other unforeseen situation while out and about. Indeed, the entire island of Vancouver is beautiful and if you have the time, it is wise to set aside at least a few days to absorb all that this location has to offer.

Offering a natural beauty that has no rival, Canada is one of the last places on Earth where flora, fauna and geography all coexist in peace. If you are planning a holiday to this region, be certain to keep these three destinations in mind.